Tim came to orienteering as a nationally ranked youth racewalker and distance runner. In high school in the late 1970's, he was Maryland state track champion in the indoor 2 mile. Tim continued to racewalk as an adult, winning the local 1 hour racewalk for last 7 years. Nationally he was 12th overall and 2nd in the M50 category for the 2012 National Postal 1 Hour Racewalk held last fall.
In college, Tim competed in cross country and became more active in orienteering. Eventually he moved from red courses to blue. On blue, Tim's goal was to not be overtime! When Brown hosted the US Champs in the late 1980's, Tim served as the registrar. During that time period, four Goods sometimes competing on the red course.
His orienteering really took off when he turned 35 and moved back to Red. His ranking then crept up: 20th in M35 in 1994, 17th in 1995, 18th on Red & 28th on blue in 1996, 14th in 1997, 12th in 1998, and 3rd in M40 in 1999.
During US team trials he would often remark the he helped other orienteers not finish last. Tim also competed in the Jukola and several ROGAINE competitions. More recently, he attended several local orienteering events this past winter and assisted at the Chase in May. In August Tim joined the QOC summer training folks for the 12th annual Squirrel Event at his brother Ted's home joined by his sister Keg. He had a great time watching everyone do the crazy activities that have become the hallmark of the gathering. Then Tim took his turn and walked the "super sprint" course.
When he wasn’t in the woods, Tim was square dancing! Not only did he “swing your partner” and “do si do”, but he taught this beautiful and fun art form to many people and was also a certified “caller”. It was a true passion for him and his daughter Io.
As a dedicated QOC member, Tim attended hundreds of events over the years and volunteered often to design courses, pick up controls, and help in all areas as needed. Tim will be greatly missed by his orienteering family and friends. We will think of him often as we are running in the woods.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday September 28, 2013 at Jefferson Memorial Chapel, 5755 Castlewellan Dr., Alexandria, VA. A reception will follow at Waterford, 6715 Commerce Street, Springfield, VA (3 miles; directions will be available at the Chapel).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boomerangs Square Dance Teaching Council, c/o Nancy Stafford, 7731 Virginia Lane, Falls Church, VA 22043 or to a charity of your choice.
For information about where to send condolence messages, please email QOC member Heidi Onkst.
